Which place is cheaper, Hamburg or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santorini or Hamburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Hamburg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Santorini
Santorini is a romantic, stunning, and historic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Hamburg
Hamburg is a historic, energetic, and cultural port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.
Santorini and Hamburg: Pros and Cons
Santorini
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
Hamburg
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Less popular with couples
Is there more to do in Santorini or Hamburg?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santorini than Hamburg. While Hamburg is larger than Santorini, Santorini has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santorini is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Hamburg is known for its museums, nightlife, and music. Santorini is more touristy than Hamburg and is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. It is also home to The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Hamburg is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space.
How is Santorini different from Hamburg?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hamburg and Santorini. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santorini or Hamburg?
Santorini
Hamburg
Hamburg is a great port city for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hamburg can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santorini. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.
Is the Food Better in Santorini or Hamburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Santorini
Hamburg
Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Hamburg can be an enjoyable experience.
Santorini has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Hamburg area. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).
Is Santorini or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?
Santorini
Hamburg
Hamburg is a great port city for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Hamburg has something for everybody. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.
Is Santorini or Hamburg Better for Music?
Santorini
Hamburg
Hamburg is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Santorini is not a live music destination.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Hamburg. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.
Santorini is not a live music destination.
Is Santorini or Hamburg Better for Resorts?
Santorini
Hamburg
Santorini is renowned for its resorts. However, Hamburg is not a resort destination.
If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Santorini is a perfect choice. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.
Hamburg is not a resort destination.
Is Santorini or Hamburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Santorini
Hamburg
Santorini is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hamburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Santorini. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.
Hamburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Santorini or Hamburg Better for Beaches?
Santorini
Hamburg
Santorini is very good for the beach. However, Hamburg is not a beach destination.
Many people head to Santorini to enjoy the beach. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.
Hamburg is not a beach destination.
Is Santorini or Hamburg Better for Hiking?
Santorini
Hamburg
Santorini is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Hamburg is not a hiking destination.
Many people include a hike when visiting Santorini. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.
Hamburg is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Hamburg?
Santorini
Hamburg
If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Hamburg both offer plenty of excellent spots.
Santorini is well-known for its shopping. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.
Is Santorini or Hamburg Better for Families?
Santorini
Hamburg
Hamburg is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hamburg is very family-friendly. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.
Santorini is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.
Is Santorini or Hamburg Better for Couples?
Santorini
Hamburg
Santorini is renowned for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
For those traveling as a couple, Santorini has plenty to offer. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.
Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.
Is Santorini or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Santorini
Hamburg
For backpackers, both Santorini and Hamburg are good places to visit.
It's common for backpackers to visit Santorini. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.
Hamburg is a good island to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.
Is Santorini or Hamburg Better for Students?
Santorini
Hamburg
Hamburg is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.
It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.
Santorini is not popular with students.
Is Santorini or Hamburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Santorini
Hamburg
Hamburg is a great port city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.
The public transit in Hamburg can get you around easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.
Santorini has a few public transit options. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.
Is Santorini or Hamburg a more walkable city?
Santorini
Hamburg
Hamburg is a great port city for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.
Hamburg is a very walkable port city. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.
Santorini is a somewhat walkable island. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Hamburg Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Santorini?
How long in Santorini or Hamburg?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santorini and Hamburg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than in Hamburg. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hamburg.
Families should spend more time in Hamburg than Santorini. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hamburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Santorini than Hamburg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santorini that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hamburg than Santorini if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Hamburg.
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How many days in Santorini or Hamburg? Ideal Length of StaySantorini 3-7Hamburg 1-3
One day in Santorini or Hamburg?
In Santorini, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
You'll find nightlife and live music around the port city of Hamburg. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hamburg has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Santorini or Hamburg?
In Santorini, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
You'll find live music and food around the vibrant destination of Hamburg. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Santorini or Hamburg?
Santorini is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santorini has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant port city of Hamburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
A week in Santorini or Hamburg?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. In Santorini, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
Hamburg is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €175Hamburg €117
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Hamburg is €117. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Santorini and Hamburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €93Hamburg €54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €186Hamburg €108
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Hamburg
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Hamburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Santorini Hotel Prices and Hamburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €28Hamburg €29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Skip Cable Car! Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfer: $129
- 24h Luxury Santorini Transfer.Arrival/Departure one way: $76
- Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Minibus: $46
- Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Sprinter: $32
- Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $37
- Blue Dome and Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $38
- Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR by Sedan Car: $23
- Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Van: $32
- Departure Private Transfer Santorni to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Sprinter: $46
- Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini Island: $22
- Departure Transfer To Santorini Port: $33
- Economy Roundtrip Transfer Santorini Airport ( Max 4 stop ): $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:
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Short Distance Ubahn Ticket€1.70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:
- Hamburg Airport(HAM): Transfer to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $645
- Fredericia Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg city: $585
- Hamburg Airport (HAM): Transfer to Fredericia Cruise Port: $585
- Private One-Way Transfer to or from Kiel Port: $422
- Private Direct Transfer From Hamburg to Berlin, English Speaking Driver: $300
- Private Direct Transfer From Hamburg to Wolfsburg; English Speaking Driver: $289
- Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hannover with 2h of Sightseeing: $271
- Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers : $267
- Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $262
- Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $235
- Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen with an English Speaking Driver: $234
- Private Transfer From Hamburg To Bremen With a 2 Hour Stop: $233
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Hamburg?
Prices for flights to both Hamburg and Santorini change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one daySantorini €48Hamburg €35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $70
- Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $70
- Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $80
- Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $91
- Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
- Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
- Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $120
- Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $123
- Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with dinner: $123
- Luxury Sunset Cruise with Dinner & Open Bar: $128
- Sunset Sea Kayak with Light Dinner: $128
- Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $134
Typical Food Prices in Hamburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:
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Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls€15
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Currywurst and Pommes Frites€5.00
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Donner Kebab and Coke€6.00
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Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer€15
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Donner Kebab Lunch€4.00
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Sandwich and Coffee Break€6.00
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Fish Sandwich from Fish Market€3.50
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Coffee and Donut€4.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.
- St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
- Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
- Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
- Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
- St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
- Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
- Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €36Hamburg €39
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Authentic A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oia: $6.99
- Megalochori: Lost Atlantis 9D Experience Museum Entry Ticket: $15
- Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $15
- E-Ticket to Akrotiri with Audio Tour on your Phone: $15
- Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $16
- Refundable Ticket for Akrotiri Archaeological Site : $20
- Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $27
- Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: $28
- Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $33
- Santorini Volcano Tour: $37
- Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour : $40
- Santorini Volcano Half Day Tour: $44
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg
Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tower at St. Michael's Church€3.50
Tours and Activities in Hamburg
Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hamburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $287
- Safari tour in St Pauli: $33
- "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $69
- "Hafengeburtstag Hamburg" 2024. Cruise&Sail from/to Wedel: $181
- "Highlights of Hamburg" Biketour: $39
- 1 Hour Kiez Speed Tour for Adults: $19
- 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $20
- 10 secrets of Hamburg's old town - exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
- 2 Hours Guided Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $71
- 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Night Tour: $93
- 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $75
- 2 Hours Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €26Hamburg €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $60
- Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $63
- Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
- Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $75
- Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
- Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $105
- Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $106
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
- 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $117
- Wine Tour Santorini: $118
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
- Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $136
Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:
- Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
- Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
- Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
- Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
- Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
- Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
- Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Hamburg, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Hamburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hamburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hamburg and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini than you might in Hamburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Hamburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Hamburg?
Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Hamburg, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.